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Metoprolol in the aged hypertensive: a comparison of two dosage schedules
Insights
For elderly patients with moderate hypertension, both 100 mg and 200 mg of metoprolol effectively controlled blood pressure. The lower 100 mg dose was better tolerated, making it the preferred choice for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Clinical Hypertension Research
Background:
- Moderate hypertension is prevalent in individuals aged 65 and older.
- Effective and well-tolerated antihypertensive treatments are crucial for geriatric populations.
- Metoprolol is a commonly prescribed beta-blocker for hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and tolerability of two metoprolol dosages (100 mg vs. 200 mg daily) in elderly patients with moderate hypertension.
- To determine the optimal metoprolol dose for geriatric hypertensive individuals.
Main Methods:
- A 16-week cross-over study involving 31 hypertensive patients aged 65 years and over.
- Patients received metoprolol 100 mg daily and metoprolol 200 mg daily in a randomized sequence.
- Efficacy was assessed by blood pressure control, and tolerability was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Both metoprolol 100 mg and 200 mg daily demonstrated significant efficacy in controlling moderate hypertension.
- No statistically significant difference in antihypertensive efficacy was observed between the two dosage regimens.
- The 100 mg daily metoprolol regimen was significantly better tolerated by the elderly study participants.
Conclusions:
- Metoprolol is an effective treatment for moderate hypertension in patients aged 65 and older.
- The 100 mg daily dose of metoprolol is recommended as the preferred regimen for the aged hypertensive due to superior tolerability.
- Further research may explore long-term outcomes and specific side effect profiles at different doses in this demographic.
Abstract:
Thirty-one patients aged 65 y or over suffering from moderate hypertension were studied for 16 weeks using a cross-over design in which metoprolol 100 mg daily and metoprolol 200 mg daily were compared. Both treatment regimes were effective in controlling hypertension and no difference was found between the two with regard to efficacy. The 100 mg regime was, however, better tolerated and we propose this as the preferred metoprolol dose for the aged hypertensive.